The GCC region has become a magnet for international business expansion in 2025, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the charge in attracting physical presence from global giants. Data from Dubai International Chamber highlights this momentum, revealing that 143 companies—including 31 multinationals—joined the chamber in the first half of the year alone, a significant leap from the previous year. This influx spans sectors from fintech to fashion, reinforcing the region’s status as a critical growth market for major international players.
Retail Heavyweights Enter The Region
Several global retail powerhouses made their long-awaited entry into the Middle East market this year, choosing the UAE and Kuwait as their launchpads.
- Primark: The value fashion retailer opened its first Middle East store in Kuwait’s Avenues Mall. This marks Primark’s 18th international market and its first franchise operation, with plans to open three additional stores in Dubai by mid-2026.
- Skims: The US clothing brand co-owned by Kim Kardashian opened its first standalone store in the Middle East at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates in December. previously, Skims was only available regionally via luxury e-commerce platforms.
- Ulta Beauty: In partnership with Alshaya Group, Ulta Beauty launched its first regional store at The Avenues mall in Kuwait. The cosmetics retailer has outlined further expansion plans for the UAE at Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, as well as a Saudi debut in Jeddah in March 2026.
Financial Services And Tech Players Establish HQs
The region also saw a significant influx of financial and technology firms establishing regional headquarters and operational hubs, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- PayPal: In a major move for the fintech sector, PayPal opened a regional hub in Dubai Internet City in April. This office serves as its first physical presence in the Middle East and Africa, dedicated to supporting customers across the region.
- Fortress Investment Group: US asset manager Fortress Investment Group opened offices in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in May. This followed a strategic $1 billion partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala focused on private credit.
- Partners Group: Swiss-founded private markets firm Partners Group announced the opening of its regional headquarters in ADGM, signaling a deeper commitment to its Middle East operations.
- Bitcoin.com: Cryptocurrency platform Bitcoin.com established its first MENA office at the DMCC Crypto Centre in Dubai, joining over 650 blockchain and Web3 companies in the free zone.
Strategic Relocations To The UAE
Beyond new market entries, 2025 also witnessed major corporate relocations. Telecom giant Veon moved its global headquarters to Dubai after delisting from the Amsterdam stock market in 2024. The move positions Veon as the largest Nasdaq-listed company to be based in the UAE, underscoring the Emirates’ appeal as a global corporate home.
About Dubai International Chamber
Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, focuses on strengthening partnerships with global corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs to boost Dubai’s status as a major global trade hub. The chamber supports the expansion of Dubai businesses into new global markets and attracts foreign companies to the emirate, driving economic growth and diversification in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Source: AGBI
